Demonstration of a 2d LH-RH neurosecretory system in the duck hypothalamus]

Using immunocytochemical techniques with an anti-LH-RH immuneserum, evidence of two neuronal systems secreting LH-RH has been shown in the Duck hypothalamus. In addition to the previously described system, located in the preoptic nucleus, a second system could be demonstrated in the infundibular nucleus. The perikarya of the infundibular LH-RH producing neurons were significantly smaller than those of the preoptic neurons. On the other hand, under the experimental conditions used, the infundibular system had approximately five times less LH-RH secreting neurons than the preoptic system, and its perikarya appeared less heavily loaded in IR LH-RH. The LH-RH containing axons from both neuronal populations ran down to the external layer of the median eminence, where they ended in close contact with the capillaries of the hypophysial portal system.     

Antigenic determinants of beta-LPH, beta-MSH, alpha-endorphin, ACTH and alpha-MSH revealed by anti-beta-endorphin in neurons of the human infundibular nucleus]

Comparison of adjacent serial sections of the tubero-infundibular region of Human adult hypothalamus demonstrates that the same perikarya, axons and terminals are stained both with anti-beta-endorphin and anti 17-39 ACTH antisera. The most immunoreactive of these neurons are also revealed with anti alpha-endorphin, anti alpha and beta-MSH, anti-1-24 ACTH and anti beta-LPH. These results suggest that neurons of the infundibular nucleus can store and probably secrete peptide similar to propiocortin or fragment(s) of this molecule.     

Aminergic innervation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system in Gambusia sp. (Teleost, Poecilidae) studied by two fluorescence techniques]

Using fluorescence techniques (Falck-Hillarp, de La Torre and Surgeon) 2 paired groups of perikarya were observed in the hypothalamus of Gambusia, one in the nucleus recessus lateralis (NRL) and the other in the nucleus recessus posterioris (NRP). No fluorescent neuron could be detected in the nucleus recessus preopticus (NRPO) nor in the nucleus lateralis tuberis (NLT). Fluorescent aminergic fibers demonstrated in the rostral neurohypophysis and in the neurointermediate lobe might originate from the NRL. These two techniques are complementary, but the last one, more rapidly performed, appears promising.     

The relation between capillaries and neurons in the caudal neurosecretory system of Pomatomus saltatrix.

The caudal neurosecretory system of Pomatomus saltatrix was examined. Particular interest was devoted to the perikarya of the neurosecretory cells. The majority of these cells were characterized by a close association with the capillary network. The cells appeared to ensheath the capillaries thus bringing the nucleus and perinuclear cytoplasm into close association with the capillaries.     

The relation between capillaries and neurons in the caudal neurosecretory system ofPomatomus saltatrix

Summary The caudal neurosecretory system ofPomatomus saltatrix was examined. Particular interest was devoted to the perikarya of the neurosecretory cells. The majority of these cells were characterized by a close association with the capillary network. The cells appeared to ensheath the capillaries thus bringing the nucleus and perinuclear cytoplasm into close association with the capillaries.Supported byA. D. Williams No. 3558 (505), Medical College of Virginia. The authors are grateful to Dr.H. R. Seibel for reading this report.     

Proopiomelanocortin expression in the skin during induced hair growth in mice.

We demonstrate for the first time a hair cycle-dependent gene and protein expression of proopiomelanocortin in mouse skin in vivo. Northern blot detected POMC mRNA with an apparent size of 0.9 kb in anagen but not telogen skin. Western blot emphasized a specific protein of 30-33 kDa recognized by anti beta-endorphin in late but not early anagen or telogen skin. By immunocytochemistry, beta-endorphin antigen was localized in the sebaceous gland in a hair cycle dependent manner.     

Changes in cellular noradrenaline fluorescence in the denervated rat superior cerical ganglion

Summary The microfluorimetrical investigation showed that in the principal perikarya of the rat superior cervical ganglion, after inhibition of noradrenaline-synthesis and unilateral preganglionic axotomy, the fluorescence of newly synthesized noradrenaline was most intense at the periphery of the perikarya of the intact side.The authors are deeply indebted to Mr H. Petermann, and to Mr B. Rombach, Ciba-Geigy Ltd. for their mathematical support.     

Radioimmunologic assay of plasma corticotropin in the green frog, Rana esculenta L.]

In the green Frog (Rana esculenta) the plasma contains a polypeptide immunologically related to human and porcine corticotropins. A radiommunoassay capable of detecting 4.10-12 g hog ACTH has been used for a direct plasma ACTH assay in the Frog. Using this method, the ACTH rate was determined both in untreated frogs and in animals under various experimental conditions.     

Calcitonin-like peptide in the shrimpPalaemon serratus (Crustacea,Decapoda) during the intermolt cycle

Summary A molecule immunologically related to salmon calcitonin has been detected in the hemolymph of the shrimpPalaemon serratus. Its concentration varies inversely with the calcium level during the molt cycle; a maximum (14 ng/ml) is found in the post-molt stage and a minimum (0.5 ng/ml) during the premolt stage.     

Role of the infundibular complex and its neural afferents in the photosexual reflex in the quail]

The photosexual reflex was suppressed in quail after bilateral preoptic lesions. However an anterior-lateral de-afferentation of the hypothalamus of previously preoptic-lesioned quail resulted in partial photo-induced testis growth. As a working hypothesis, it is suggested that the preoptic area may control some unknown extrahypothalamic influences in order to modulate the gonadotropin controlling function of the infundibular area.     

A specific protein in the genusRhynchosciara (Diptera,Sciaridae)

Summary Proteins immunologically related toRhynchosciara americana larval protein 10 occur in the hemolymph and ovaries of five different fly species of the genusRhynchosciara. Electrophoretic analyses showed these proteins to have a mol.wt similar to that of theR. americana protein 10 (43,000), e.g. theR. hollanderi protein 44,300, theR. milleri protein 45,500.     

Ultrastrukturelle Aspekte des supraoptikohypophysären Systems in der hypophysektomierten Ratte

Summary The supraoptico-hypophyseal system in the hypophysectomized rat was studied by electron microscopy. Light microscopic observations hitherto reported that, after hypophysectomy the proximal cut end of the infundibular stalk becomes reorganized into a neural lobelike organ, could be reconfirmed. The ultrastructural aspect of the supraoptic cells following hypophysectomy was also described.     

Physical exercise stimulates marked concomitant release of beta-endorphin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in peripheral blood in man

ACTH and beta-endorphin have been evaluated by means of a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay in athletes reaching a status of physical stress. A concomitant marked increase of these 2 peptides has been recorded. The implications of this finding lead to the conclusion that stress stimulates the synthesis of the common precursor (31 K) in the pituitary.     

A quantitative study of the catecholamine-fluorescence in the ganglion paracervicale uteri of the rat

In the ganglion paracervicale uteri of the rat, there are principle neurons which are able to take up offered catecholamines. Normally there is an inverse relationship between their size and their mean catecholamine-fluorescence. A comparison with the catecholamine-fluorescence of depleted and repleted adrenergic perikarya in the ganglion cervicale superius is made.     

In vitro biosynthesis of beta-lipotropin in brain tissue]

We have recently developed methods to identify biosynthetized beta-endorphin and beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) following incubation of Rat pars intermedia with radioactive amino acids. We used the same approach for rat brain tissue. In the striatum we found a peptide similar to beta-LPH while its identification in hypothalamus was less positive. This is the first demonstration of such biosynthesis and it could well be an important step in determining the biosynthetic patterns of cerebral endorphins and enkephalins.     

Immunocytochemical localization of neurons containing ACTH 17-39 in the rat brain]

Immunoreactive neurons and fibers were localized in the Rat brain by immunocytochemistry using an anti-ACTH 17-39 antiserum. Neither adrenalectomy nor water deprivation affected intensity of distribution of reaction of labelled neurons whereas colchicine increased labelling of hypothalamic perikarya. These results support the neuronal origin of cerebral ACTH.     

Some observations on the Rohon-Beard cell perikaryon.

During the hatching period, the Rohon-Beard cells of Salmo gairdneri showed definite structural maturity of their perikarya, which is in contrast to the amphibian species investigated, where neuronal maturation of the Rohon-Beard cells is finished only in later -- posthatching -- developmental stages.     

Localisation of acetylcholinesterase in rat myotubes in the presence of beta-endorphin and beta-endorphin-(1-27)

In rat embryo skeletal myotubes, acetylcholinesterase is present, as multiple forms, and can be detected in deposits at the cell surface. Myotubes cultured in the presence of beta-endorphin, exhibit an increased predominance of the globular (precursor) forms of the enzyme, which are largely restricted to intracellular sites associated with nuclei. In the presence of beta-endorphin-(1-27), the relative proportions of the different forms of acetylcholinesterase is similar to that seen in the controls, but the enzyme is intracellular and has a characteristic focal localisation in the myotube.     

Genome size in the green toad (Bufo viridis) group

Summary Specimens of the green toad,Bufo viridis, from Morocco to Kirgizistan, have identical DNA amounts per erythrocyte nucleus. 1 specimen from Kirgizistan is a tetraploid. Of 3 closely related species,B. calamita andB. brongersmai have about the same DNA amount asB. viridis, whileB. latastii from Afghanistan has 36% more DNA per nucleus.     

Complete correction of the tetralogy of Fallot without right ventriculotomy

The authors present an improved technique for operative treatment of tetralogy of Fallot. Developed by Edmund's technique it complets and improves it in several ways making it suitable for nearly all forms of tetralogy of Fallot. The transatrial approach is intended by it's author to only selected cases of the malformation, namely with large pulmonary arteries a correct pulmonary annulus and moderate infundibular hypertrophy. The combined approach which we propose (transatrial and transpulmonary) gives us very good post-operative and short term results.